Architecture Museum, Melaka

The Malaysia Architecture Museum, located in Malacca City, is dedicated to the exhibition of Malaysia's rich architectural heritage. Established in 2004, it is the first architecture museum in Malaysia, housed in a historical building that dates back to the Dutch colonial period of the 18th century. This Dutch-style building originally served as the residence and administrative center for Dutch officials. In 2000, the Department of Museum and Antiquities restored the building to its original state, transforming it into the Architecture Museum.

The museum's primary objective is to showcase the uniqueness and diversity of Malaysia's architectural heritage, providing insights into the history and development of architecture in the country. The museum is managed by the Malaysian Museum Department and is one of several museums in Malacca, a city known for its extensive array of museums.

The Malaysia Architecture Museum features two floors: the ground floor is made of brick and the upper floor of wood. It offers a comprehensive exhibition that includes architectural models, graphic panels, multimedia presentations, and three-dimensional models of significant buildings from across Malaysia. These exhibits represent various architectural styles and detail the construction techniques used in different historical periods.

Notable collections in the museum include a carved wall panel from Kelantan, a model of a traditional Terengganu house, a Melaka Chinese shop house, doors carved with floral motifs and calligraphy, a 19th-century saw, and samples of Malaysian timber species. The museum meticulously introduces the construction details of every room, corridor, and balcony in the building, making it an informative destination for architecture enthusiasts.

The museum's storyline and exhibition are organized into segments to facilitate visitor understanding, highlighting the philosophy and concept of architecture, as well as the construction materials used historically, such as Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese concrete and the Kayu Berlian roof. This detailed and engaging presentation aims to provide visitors with a deeper appreciation of Malaysia's architectural history and heritage.